Find the right trek for your experience and physical condition

Our Rating System

We classify our treks into five levels based on physical demand, maximum altitude, duration, and terrain conditions.

Treks by Difficulty Level

• ●●○○ Moderate-High Classic Trek 4D/3N | Luxury Glamping 5D/4N

Characteristics:

• 60 km total distance
• Maximum altitude: 3,050 m
• Maximum elevation change per day: 1,500 m
• Hours of walking: 6–7 per day
• Terrain: Well-marked trail, some steep sections

Most demanding: Day 2 (ascent to Choquequirao) and Day 4 (ascent back to Cachora) are the hardest. Each involves climbing 1,500 meters of elevation gain.

Requirements:

• Good general physical fitness
• Ability to walk 6–7 hours per day
• No prior trekking experience required
• 6–8 weeks of preparation recommended

Who is it for?

• First trekking experience at altitude
• Active people who exercise regularly
• Travelers who want a challenge but an achievable one
• Age: 14–70 years in good health

• ●●●○ High Choquequirao + Machu Picchu 6D/5N | Choquequirao + Machu Picchu 7D/6N | Choquequirao + Machu Picchu 8D/7N | The Great Inca Traverse 6D/5N | The Great Inca Traverse 7D/6N | Choquequirao + Vilcabamba 8D/7N

Characteristics:

• 85–100 km total distance
• Maximum altitude: 4,650 m (San Juan Pass)
• Maximum elevation change per day: 1,600 m
• Hours of walking: 6–9 per day
• Terrain: Varied, includes high mountain passes

Most demanding: Crossing the San Juan Pass (4,650 m) is the greatest challenge. It involves 5 hours of constant ascent followed by 3–4 hours of descent. The altitude and prolonged effort demand excellent preparation.

Requirements:

• Excellent physical fitness
• Prior experience with long hikes (recommended)
• Ability to walk on consecutive days
• 8–12 weeks of preparation
• Proper acclimatization in Cusco (minimum 2–3 days)

Who is it for?

• Trekkers with some experience
• People who train regularly
• Travelers looking for a significant challenge
• Age: 16–65 years in excellent health
• ●●●● Very High The Inca Trilogy 10D/9N

Characteristics:

• 120+ km total distance
• Maximum altitude: 4,650 m
• Minimum altitude: 1,000 m (Espíritu Pampa)
• Hours of walking: 6–9 per day for 7–8 days
• Terrain: All types, including high jungle
• Remote areas with no tourist infrastructure

Most demanding: Duration is the greatest challenge. Ten days of expedition with variable terrain, extreme altitude and climate changes, and basic accommodation conditions in some sections. Requires physical and mental endurance.

Requirements:

• Proven excellent physical fitness
• Prior experience in multi-day trekking (mandatory)
• Ability to adapt to variable conditions
• Expedition mindset (not a tourist tour mindset)
• 12+ weeks of preparation
• Serious acclimatization (minimum 3 days in Cusco)

Who is it for?

• Experienced trekkers
• Adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge
• Enthusiasts of Inca history willing to push themselves
• People who have completed other multi-day treks
• Age: 18–60 years in excellent health and with experience

Full Comparison Table

Factors That Determine Difficulty

1. Daily Distance

2. Accumulated Elevation

3. Maximum Altitude

4. Consecutive Days

5. Terrain Conditions

How to Choose Your Trek

If this is your first multi-day trek: → Classic Trek 4D/3N or Luxury Glamping 5D/4N

If you are in good physical shape but have little trekking experience: → Classic Trek 4D/3N with 8 weeks of preparation

If you exercise regularly and want a greater challenge: → Choquequirao + Machu Picchu 6D/5N or 7D/6N

If you have already done the Inca Trail, Salkantay, or similar treks: → Choquequirao + Machu Picchu 8D/7N or Choquequirao + Vilcabamba 8D/7N

If you are an experienced trekker looking for the ultimate challenge: → The Inca Trilogy 10D/9N

If you want adventure but value comfort: → Luxury Glamping 5D/4N

If you prioritize history over physical challenge: → The Great Inca Traverse 7D/6N (includes Vilcabamba at a more relaxed pace)

Self-Assessment Questions

Answer honestly:

1. How much exercise do you normally do?

• Little or none → Maximum level ●●●○○, with 8+ weeks of preparation
• 2–3 times per week → Level ●●●○○ to ●●●●○
• Daily, including intense cardio → Any level

2. How many hours can you walk without a long rest?

• 2–3 hours → Level ●●●○○, relaxed pace
• 4–5 hours → Level ●●●○○ to ●●●●○
• 6+ hours → Any level

3. Have you done multi-day trekking before?

• Never → Level ●●●○○
• Yes, 2–3 days → Level ●●●●○
• Yes, more than 5 days → Any level

4. Have you been at altitudes above 3,000 meters?

• Never → Start with lower levels, extra acclimatization
• Yes, without problems → Any level with proper acclimatization
• Yes, with symptoms → Consult and take extra precautions

5. How do you handle physical discomfort?

• I struggle → Level ●●●○○ or Glamping
• I can tolerate it → Level ●●●●○
• It motivates me → Level ●●●●● (Trilogy)

Important Note

Difficulty is relative. What is easy for an experienced trekker can be very hard for a beginner. And vice versa: people with no experience but a good attitude and proper preparation have completed our most difficult treks.

If you are unsure which level is right for you, write to us. We can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate trek.